Accident Overview
On May 3, 2011, at 1115 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, registration N927SH, collided with terrain following low rotor rpm near Yancey, Texas. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom sections. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. The aircraft was registered to Prentice Aviation Inc, Bokchito, Oklahoma, and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an aerial observation flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan. The flight originated from a private area approximately 1045.
Pilot Account
According to a statement from the pilot, he was conducting an animal control flight over private property. While searching for feral pigs, the pilot flew 4 to 5 feet above ground level. The passenger notified the pilot of a pig's location. During maneuvering, the pilot heard the engine noise change and the low rpm warning horn sound as the engine began to shut down. The helicopter settled to the ground and rolled onto its right side. While egressing, the pilot noticed fuel leaking from the top of the fuel tank. When securing the fuel shutoff valve, the pilot observed that the valve handle was three-quarters of the way toward the closed position. The pilot concluded that either the passenger's clothing or seat belt had inadvertently closed the fuel valve when the passenger moved near it. No other malfunctions or failures were reported.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the helicopter and did not reveal any preimpact anomalies. The helicopter was equipped with an older style fuel shutoff valve (part number A670-2). A newer fuel shutoff valve (part number A670-1) was available for installation; the newer valve was redesigned to be spring-loaded toward the open position to prevent inadvertent actuation.